Correlating resource usage data to a waste scoring system

ABSTRACT

A method for correlating energy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoring system is described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving energy usage data and water usage data from a plurality of users, identifying at least one user group from the plurality of users based on predetermined parameters, and calculating average energy usage and average water usage for each of the user groups. The energy usage data and water usage data received for an individual user may then be compared to the calculated average energy usage and calculated average water usage for at least one of the user groups, and a general waste score may be calculated for the individual user. In some cases, a plurality of sub-waste scores may be calculated indicating factors of energy usage and factors of water usage for the individual user.

BACKGROUND

Many consumers are concerned with being “green” and eco-friendly, andare frustrated by wasteful energy and resource usage, particularly intheir homes. Yet a clear categorization of energy and resource usage islacking. While monthly bills often list overall electricity or waterusage, no current means are provided for comparing one household'selectricity and water usage to the average usage across a multitude ofother households of comparable size and occupancy on a real-time basissuch that consumers may gauge their own wastefulness as compared totheir neighbors.

SUMMARY

Existing smart home sensor systems may be used to gather informationrelating to all customers having participating smart home sensorsystems, the information including occupancy, HVAC usage, water usage,electricity usage, location, etc., and a central database may bemaintained and continuously updated based on this data to providebenchmark or average energy usage data and resource usage data based onhome size and occupancy.

One aspect of the invention relates to systems, methods and relateddevices for using this benchmark data to provide a “waste score” toindividual users to indicate how their household energy and resourceusage compares to the average for households of comparable size andoccupancy. These waste scores can be broken out into subcategories todemonstrate how the individual user's household usage compares to thebenchmark data in various areas of energy consumption, such as waterconsumption and electricity consumption. These subcategories can befurther broken down into individual factors, such as sprinkler impactand home water impact for water consumption, and HVAC impact andlights/appliances/devices impact for electricity consumption.

Based on the calculated waste score, consumers may then be able toadjust their energy consumption in a targeted manner, such that they areable to lower their waste score to zero, or even earn a negative wastescore, meaning that they are actually conserving more energy than theaverage home of their size. For example, a user may have a combinedwaste score of 7 out of a possible 10 (where 1 is a good waste score and10 is a bad waste score). The overall waste score of 7 may be calculatedbased on averaged sub-category waste scores of 9 in water consumptionand 6 in electricity consumption. On this basis, the consumer may electto continue his electricity consumption habits, but may choose toimprove upon his water consumption habits, or alternatively may chooseto prioritize reforming his water consumption habits over reforming hiselectricity consumption habits, while improving upon both.

Participation in waste score improvement amongst users may be encouragedthrough waste score gamification, for example by allowing users tochallenge neighbors to achieve lower waste scores, or by awarding userstitles or prizes based on achieving superior waste scores as compared totheir neighbors. Waste scores may also be used for lead generationpurposes. For example, a waste score subcategory may indicate that aconsumer is using twice as much water as his neighbors, and accordinglya particular low-flow sprinkler system may be recommended to theconsumer for purchase. The system may further provide the option offacilitating this purchase.

The calculated waste score may be updated in real-time based on changingusages amongst both the individual user and the plurality of users towhich the individual user's usage is compared. For example, if aconsumer increases the temperature on a thermostat or increases thetimer for a sprinkler system, the user's smart home panel or smart phonemay display an updated waste score on the basis of this increased usage.In another example, if a geographical area experiences a heat wave,average HVAC usage may increase across the plurality of users, and theaverage usage may increase, such that the individual user's HVAC usagemay be compared to the higher user average in determining a waste score.Additionally, waste scores may be calculated based on either historicalor futuristic usage. Specifically, a current waste score may becalculated based on energy usage from the previous week or month, oralternatively a predictive waste score may be provided based on currentor hypothetical future energy and resource usage settings.

In an alternative embodiment, a waste score may be calculated based onthe weight, frequency of use, and/or utilized capacity of a consumer'sgarbage receptacle. An optical sensor on the lid and/or a weighingmechanism placed under or integrated with the garbage receptacle maymonitor frequency of emptying, capacity usage, and/or weight of contentsof the garbage receptacle to determine a waste score as compared tocomparable households and their average recorded waste.

Accordingly, the present disclosure may provide a method for correlatingenergy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoring system. Themethod may include receiving energy usage data and water usage data froma plurality of users; identifying at least one user group from theplurality of users based on predetermined parameters; calculatingaverage energy usage and average water usage for each of the usergroups, the average energy usage and the average water usage beingcalculated based at least in part on the energy usage data and waterusage data received from the plurality of users; comparing energy usagedata and water usage data received for an individual user with thecalculated average energy usage and the calculated average water usagefor at least one of the user groups; calculating a general waste scorefor the individual user based at least in part on the comparing; andcalculating a plurality of sub-waste scores for factors of energy usageand factors of water usage, an average of the sub-waste scores beingequal to the general waste score.

In some embodiments, the method may further include continuouslyupdating the calculated general waste score and calculated plurality ofsub-waste scores based at least in part on continuously receiving theenergy usage data and the water usage data for the individual user orthe plurality of users, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the method may further include communicating thecalculated general waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-wastescores to the individual user, wherein the calculated general wastescore and the calculated plurality of sub-waste scores are displayed onany of a smart home panel, a personal computer, a dedicated application,a webpage, a smart phone, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the factors of water usage may include sprinklerimpact and home water impact, and the factors of energy usage mayinclude natural gas consumption and HVAC, lights, device, and appliancesimpact.

In some embodiments, the method may further include providing theindividual user with recommendations for improving the calculatedgeneral waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-waste scores.

In some embodiments, providing the user with recommendations forimproving the calculated general waste score and the calculatedplurality of sub-waste scores may include providing the user withpurchasing information for any one of replacement appliances, nozzles,faucets, light bulbs, fixtures, and HVAC components, or a combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the general waste score and the plurality ofsub-waste scores may be calculated on a scale of 1 to 10, wherein 1indicates energy usage and/or water usage well below the calculatedaverage energy usage and the calculated average water usage for the atleast one user group, and 10 indicates the energy usage and/or the waterusage well above the calculated average energy usage data and thecalculated average water usage data for the at least one user group.

In some embodiments, the method may further include providingrecognition to users within the at least one user group having any oneof a superior general waste score and a superior sub-waste score,wherein the recognition may be any one or more of a title, coupon, orprize.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving garbagereceptacle usage data from the plurality of users; identifying at leastone user group from the plurality of users based on the predeterminedparameters; calculating average garbage receptacle usage for each of theuser groups, the average garbage receptacle usage being calculated basedat least in part on the garbage receptacle usage data received from theplurality of users; comparing garbage receptacle usage data received foran individual user with the calculated average garbage receptacle usagefor at least one of the user groups; and calculating a general wastescore for the individual user based at least in part on the comparing.

In some embodiments, the predetermined parameters for identifying the atleast one user group from the plurality of users may include any one ofhome size, occupancy, and location, or a combination thereof.

The present disclosure may also relate to an apparatus for correlatingenergy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoring system. Insome embodiments, the apparatus may include a receiver for receivingenergy usage data and water usage data from a plurality of users; and aprocessor for identifying at least one user group from the plurality ofusers based on predetermined parameters; calculating average energyusage and average water usage for each of the user groups, the averageenergy usage and the average water usage being calculated based at leastin part on the energy usage data and water usage data received from theplurality of users; comparing energy usage data and water usage datareceived for an individual user with the calculated average energy usageand the calculated average water usage for one of the user groups;calculating a general waste score for the individual user based at leastin part on the comparing; and calculating a plurality of sub-wastescores for factors of energy usage and factors of water usage, theaverage of the sub-waste scores being equal to the general waste score.

The present disclosure is also related to a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the codeexecutable by a processor to receive energy usage data and water usagedata from a plurality of users; identify at least one user group fromthe plurality of users based on predetermined parameters; calculateaverage energy usage and average water usage for each of the usergroups, the average energy usage and the average water usage beingcalculated based at least in part on the energy usage data and waterusage data received from the plurality of users; compare energy usagedata and water usage data received for an individual user with thecalculated average energy usage and the calculated average water usagefor one of the user groups; calculate a general waste score for theindividual user based at least in part on the comparing; and calculate aplurality of sub-waste scores for factors of energy usage and factors ofwater usage, the average of the sub-waste scores being equal to thegeneral waste score.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodimentsand are a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a waste scoringsystem in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one example of an apparatus inaccordance with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another example of an apparatusin accordance with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a sensor module inaccordance with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a server inaccordance with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a waste scoredisplay in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method forcorrelating energy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoringsystem.

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, theinstant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein relate to correlating energyusage data and water usage data to a waste scoring system. Morespecifically, the systems and methods described herein compare energyusage data and water usage data for individual users to average energyusage and average water usage collected from a plurality of users inorder to calculate a general waste score and a plurality of sub-wastescores for the individual user comparing his energy usage and waterusage to that of his neighbors'.

In one example, a user may desire to know how his water usage and energyusage compares to the water and energy consumed by other users havingsimilar home sizes or occupancy. For instance, a user may wish to knowwhether his electricity consumption, and in particular his HVAC systemuse, is greater or less than that of his neighbors' having comparablehome sizes and occupancies. Presently, the user may have no means ofbreaking down his electricity consumption so specifically, and mayinstead only receive a general bill at the end of each month indicatingthe costs associated with his overall electricity consumption. Further,the user may have no way of knowing what other customers havingcomparable home sizes and occupancies are using in terms of electricity.The present systems and methods provide the means for presenting userswith details regarding home energy usage, broken down into subcategoriessuch as water consumption and electricity consumption, and furtherbroken down into individual contributors such as sprinkler impact andHVAC impact. Further, the present systems and methods provide the meansfor reporting to individual users how their energy consumption comparesto that of other users having comparable home sizes and occupancies, sothat individual users may gauge their energy and resource consumptionand set targeted goals for improving upon their “greenness.”

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a waste scoringsystem 100 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.In some embodiments, the waste scoring system 100 may include one ormore sensor units 110, local computing device 115, 120, network 125,server 130, central database 135, and remote computing device 140. Oneor more sensor units 110 may communicate via wired or wirelesscommunication links 145 with one or more of the local computing device115, 120 or network 125. The network 125 may communicate via wired orwireless communication links 145 with the central database 135 and theremote computing device 140 via server 130. In alternate embodiments,the network 125 may be integrated with any one of the local computingdevice 115, 120, server 130, or remote computing device 140, such thatseparate components are not required.

Waste scoring system 100 may be operable to both collect home energyusage data and water usage data from individual users via one or moresensor units 110, and to compile home energy usage data and water usagedata for a plurality of users, stored in central database 135.

Sensor units 110 may be coupled to existing smart home systems (notshown), or may be coupled directly to individual home energy usage andwater usage systems. For example, sensor units 110 may be coupleddirectly to or may be integrated with HVAC systems, sprinkler systems,water heaters, appliances, devices, fixtures, and wall plugs. In someembodiments, sensor units 110 collecting energy usage data and waterusage data from a plurality of systems or fixtures may be operable todisambiguate incoming data in order to identify individual contributorsto resource usage data. For example, a sensor unit 110 coupled to a homebreaker box may be operable to identify portions of energy usageattributable to individual appliances or systems in the home such thatthe user may be presented with specific energy usage data.

Local computing device 115, 120 and remote computing device 140 may becustom computing entities configured to interact with sensor units 110via network 125, and in some embodiments, via server 130. In otherembodiments, local computing device 115, 120 and remote computing device140 may be general purpose computing entities such as a personalcomputing device, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, anetbook, a tablet personal computer (PC), a control panel, an indicatorpanel, a multi-site dashboard, an iPod®, an iPad®, a smart phone, amobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any othersuitable device operable to send and receive signals, store and retrievedata, and/or execute modules. In still other embodiments, localcomputing device 115, 120 may be a smart home system panel, for examplean interactive panel mounted on a wall in a user's home. Althoughdefined as a smart home system, the local computing device 115, 120 mayalternatively comprise a smart business system or any other systemoperable to monitor and control parameters for buildings or properties.

The local computing devices 115, 120 may include memory, a processor, anoutput, a data input and a communication module. The processor may be ageneral purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital SignalProcessor (DSP), and/or the like. The processor may be configured toretrieve data from and/or write data to the memory. The memory may be,for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a harddrive, a database, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), anelectrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a readonly memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a floppy disk, cloudstorage, and/or so forth. In some embodiments, the local computingdevices 115, 120 may include one or more hardware-based modules (e.g.,DSP, FPGA, ASIC) and/or software-based modules (e.g., a module ofcomputer code stored at the memory and executed at the processor, a setof processor-readable instructions that may be stored at the memory andexecuted at the processor) associated with executing an application,such as, for example, receiving and displaying data from sensor units110.

The processor of the local computing devices 115, 120 may be operable tocontrol operation of the output of the local computing devices 115, 120.The output may be a television, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor,a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, speaker, tactile output device, and/orthe like. In some embodiments, the output may be an integral componentof the local computing devices 115, 120. Similarly stated, the outputmay be directly coupled to the processor. For example, the output may bethe integral display of a tablet and/or smart phone. In someembodiments, an output module may include, for example, a HighDefinition Multimedia Interface™ (HDMI) connector, a Video GraphicsArray (VGA) connector, a Universal Serial Bus™ (USB) connector, a tip,ring, sleeve (TRS) connector, and/or any other suitable connectoroperable to couple the local computing devices 115, 120 to the output.

The remote computing device 140 may be a computing entity operable toenable a remote user to monitor the output of the sensor units 110. Theremote computing device 140 may be functionally and/or structurallysimilar to the local computing devices 115, 120 and may be operable toreceive data streams from and/or send signals to at least one of thesensor units 110 via the network 125. The network 125 may be theInternet, an intranet, a personal area network, a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual network, atelecommunications network implemented as a wired network and/orwireless network, etc. The remote computing device 140 may receiveand/or send signals over the network 125 via communication links 145 andserver 130.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensor units 110 may be sensorsconfigured to conduct periodic or ongoing automatic measurements relatedto energy usage and water usage data. Each sensor unit 110 may becapable of sensing multiple resource consumption parameters, oralternatively, separate sensor units 110 may monitor separate resourceconsumption parameters. For example, one sensor unit 110 may measurewater usage, while another sensor unit 110 (or, in some embodiments, thesame sensor unit 110) may detect electricity usage. In some embodiments,one or more sensor units 110 may additionally monitor alternate resourceusage parameters, such as natural gas consumption. Sensor units 110 maymonitor a variety of resource usage contributors, such as homeappliances, which may include a refrigerator, oven, microwave oven,stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and the like; or utility equipment,which may include a garage door opening system, heating ventilation airconditioning (HVAC) equipment, indoor water equipment (water heater,water softener, water meter, fire alarm, in-home sprinkler system,etc.), telephony equipment, irrigation water equipment (lawn sprinklersystem, etc.), natural gas system (carbon monoxide sensor, gas meter,gas detection system, etc.), and the like. In alternate embodiments, auser may input energy usage data and water usage data directly at thelocal computing device 115, 120 or at remote computing device 140, suchthat the waste score may be calculated based wholly or in part on userinputted data. For example, a user may enter water usage data into adedicated application on his smart phone indicating water usage for themonth as determined by a water meter linked to his home.

Data gathered by the one or more sensor units 110 may be communicated tolocal computing device 115, 120, which may be, in some embodiments, athermostat or other wall-mounted input/output smart home display. Inother embodiments, local computing device 115, 120 may be a personalcomputer or smart phone. Where local computing device 115, 120 is asmart phone, the smart phone may have a dedicated application directedto collecting energy usage data and water usage data and calculating awaste score therefrom. The local computing device 115, 120 may processthe data received from the one or more sensor units 110 to obtain awaste score. In alternate embodiments, remote computing device 140 mayprocess the data received from the one or more sensor units 110, vianetwork 125 and server 130, to obtain a waste score. Data transmissionmay occur via, for example, frequencies appropriate for a personal areanetwork (such as Bluetooth or IR communications) or local or wide areanetwork frequencies such as radio frequencies specified by the IEEE802.15.4 standard.

In any embodiment, energy usage data and water usage data collected fromone or more sensor units 110 may be communicated to central database 135via network 125 and server 130. Central database 135 may be located at,for example, a central security operations location, and may compileenergy usage data and water usage data collected from a plurality ofindividual users, and may determine one or more user groups from theplurality of users based on predetermined parameters. For example,central database 135 may group users and corresponding user data intogroups based on common house size or occupancy, or based on location, ora combination thereof. Central database 135 may then calculate averagewater usage and average energy usage among users in individual groups.Local computing device 115, 120 or remote computing device 140 mayreceive group-based resource usage data averages from central database135 and may compare energy usage data and water usage data for theindividual user collected from one or more sensor units 110 with theaverage energy usage data and average water usage data received fromcentral database 135 in order to calculate waste scores for theindividual user.

Sensor units 110 may collect energy usage data and water usage data atdiscrete intervals or an a continuous basis. Similarly, central database135 may calculate average energy usage and average water usage from theplurality of users at discrete intervals or on a continuous basis.

In some embodiments, local computing device 115, 120 may communicatewith remote computing device 140 or central database 135 via network 125and server 130. Examples of networks 125 include cloud networks, localarea networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), virtual private networks(VPN), wireless networks (using 802.11, for example), and/or cellularnetworks (using 3G and/or LTE, for example), etc. In someconfigurations, the network 125 may include the Internet. In someembodiments, a user may access the functions of local computing device115, 120 from remote computing device 140. For example, in someembodiments, remote computing device 140 may include a mobileapplication that interfaces with one or more functions of localcomputing device 115, 120.

The server 130 may be configured to communicate with the sensor units110, the local computing devices 115, 120, the remote computing device140 and databases 135. The server 130 may perform additional processingon signals received from the sensor units 110 or local computing devices115, 120, or may simply forward the received information to the remotecomputing device 140 and central database 135.

Server 130 may be a computing device operable to receive data streams(e.g., from sensor units 110 and/or local computing device 115, 120 orremote computing device 140), store and/or process data, and/or transmitdata and/or data summaries (e.g., to remote computing device 140). Forexample, server 130 may receive a stream of energy usage data from asensor unit 110, a stream of water usage data from the same or adifferent sensor unit 110, and a stream of natural gas usage data fromeither the same or yet another sensor unit 110. Based on correspondingresource usage data received, the server 130 may be able to calculate awaste score by comparing the monitored usage data with average usagedata compiled at central database 135. In some embodiments, server 130may “pull” the data streams, e.g., by querying the sensor units 110, thelocal computing devices 115, 120, and/or the central database 135. Insome embodiments, the data streams may be “pushed” from the sensor units110 and/or the local computing devices 115, 120 to the server 130. Forexample, the sensor units 110 and/or the local computing device 115, 120may be configured to transmit data as it is generated by or entered intothat device. In some instances, the sensor units 110 and/or the localcomputing devices 115, 120 may periodically transmit data (e.g., as ablock of data or as one or more data points).

The server 130 may include a database (e.g., in memory) containingresource usage data received from the sensor units 110 and/or the localcomputing devices 115, 120. Additionally, as described in further detailherein, software (e.g., stored in memory) may be executed on a processorof the server 130. Such software (executed on the processor) may beoperable to cause the server 130 to monitor, process, summarize,present, and/or send a signal associated with resource usage data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 that includes apparatus 205, which may bean example of one or more aspects of the local computing devices 115,120 and/or remote computing device 140, or may alternatively be anexample of one or more aspects of the sensor unit 110 (of FIG. 1), foruse in energy usage and water usage data monitoring, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, theapparatus 205 may include a sensor module 210, receiver module 215,processor module 220, transceiver module 225, and storage module 230.Each of these components may be in communication with each other.

The components of the apparatus 205 may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the applicablefunctions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed byone or more other processing units (or cores), on one or more integratedcircuits. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may beused (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), and other Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in anymanner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also beimplemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in amemory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

The sensor module 210 may be configured to monitor data relating to homewater usage, electricity or energy usage, or any other home resourceusage, wherein the data is received, at least in part, from one or moresensor units 110. In other embodiments, home resource usage data may beinputted directly at apparatus 205. For example, a user may input waterusage data into a dedicated application on his smart phone or personalcomputer, or may enter the data into an interactive smart home panel.

The receiver module 215 may be configured to receive resource usage datafor an individual user, collected by sensor module 210. In addition,receiver module 215 may receive average resource usage data from centraldatabase 135. As previously discussed, individual user resource usagedata and average resource usage data may be collected on a continuousbasis, or may be collected at discrete intervals.

Processor module 220 may be configured to compare average resource usagedata collected from central database 135 at receiver module 215 withindividual user resource usage data collected by sensor module 210 andreceived at receiver module 215 in order to determine a waste score foran individual user. For example, processor module may collect waterusage data from an individual user and compare the water usage data toaverage water usage data for a group of users as determined by centraldatabase 135 in order to determine a water usage waste score. Processormodule 220 may then collect energy usage data from an individual userand compare the energy usage data to average energy usage data for agroup of users as determined by central database 135 in order todetermine an energy usage waste score. Finally, processor module 220 mayaverage the calculated water usage waste score and calculated energyusage waste score in order to determine a general waste score for theindividual user. In some embodiments, processor module 220 may updatethe individual resource usage waste scores and general waste score on anongoing basis as updated resource usage data is collected by sensormodule 210 and communicated to processor module 220 via receiver module215. In this way, an individual user may know immediately what the wastescore ramifications are of his adjusting, for example, his thermostatlevel. In other embodiments, processor module 220 may update sub-wastescores (discussed in more detail below) and general waste score atpredetermined, discrete intervals. In the latter instance, resourceusage data gathered by sensor module 210 and communicated to receivermodule 215 may be stored in storage module 230 until such time asprocessor module 220 is configured to calculate waste score values.

In embodiments where apparatus 205 comprises one or more sensor units110 or local computing device 115, 120, transceiver module 225 may beoperable to transmit the calculated waste scores to the individual userat, for example, remote computing device 140. In other embodiments, thecalculated waste scores may be communicated to the individual user viatransceiver module 225 to a smart home panel.

In some examples, apparatus 205 may be operable to receive data streamsfrom the sensor units 110, as well as to send and/or receive othersignals between the sensor units 110 and either the local computingdevices 115, 120 or the remote computing device 140 via the network 125and server 130. In one embodiment, apparatus 205 may receive datastreams from the sensor units 110 and also forward the data streams toother devices. Apparatus 205 may include wired and/or wirelessconnectors. For example, in some embodiments, sensor units 110 may beportions of a wired or wireless sensor network, and may communicate withthe local computing devices 115, 120 and/or remote computing device 140using either a wired or wireless network. Apparatus 205 may be awireless network interface controller (“NIC”), Bluetooth® controller, IRcommunication controller, ZigBee® controller and/or the like. Inalternate embodiments, apparatus 205 may be a component of one or moresensor units 110 such that home resource usage data received at one ormore sensor units 110 may be processed by apparatus 205 at the one ormore sensor units 110, and may be either displayed or translated into awaste score at apparatus 205, or alternatively may be transmitted toeither the local computing devices 115, 120 or the remote computingdevice 140 via the network 125 and server 130 for translation into awaste score.

In some examples, apparatus 205 may include circuitry, logic, hardwareand/or software for processing the data streams received from the sensorunits 110. Apparatus 205 may include filters, analog-to-digitalconverters and other digital signal processing units. Data processed bya signal processing module may be stored in a buffer, for example, in astorage module. The storage module may include magnetic, optical orsolid-state memory options for storing data processed by the signalprocessing module.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of apparatus 205-a,which may be an example of one or more aspects of apparatus 205 (of FIG.2), which may in turn be an example of one or more aspects of the localcomputing devices 115, 120 and/or remote computing device 140, or mayalternatively be an example of one or more aspects of the sensor unit110 (of FIG. 1), for use in energy usage and water usage datamonitoring, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, apparatus 205-a may include a sensormodule 210-a, receiver module 215-a, processor module 220-a comprising apurchaser module 305, transceiver module 225-a, and storage module230-a. Each of these components may be in communication with each other.

Sensor module 210-a, receiver module 215-a, processor module 220-a,transceiver module 225-a, and storage module 230-a may be operable inthe same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 2. In apparatus205-a of FIG. 3, however, processor module 220-a may additionallycomprise purchaser module 305, which may be operable to link calculateduser waste scores to new appliance or fixture purchases. For example,processor module 220 a may calculate, based on energy usage datacollected at sensor module 210-a and communicated to processor module220-a via receiver module 215-a, an energy usage waste score for theindividual user by comparing the individual user's energy usage data toaverage energy usage data collected from central database 135. On thebasis of the calculated energy usage waste score, processor module 220-amay determine that the individual user's washing machine is consumingmore energy than that of average users' washing machines, and mayprovide this information to purchaser module 305. Purchaser module 305may be linked, for example by an Internet connection, to a plurality ofappliance suppliers, and may provide information to the user regardingpurchasing options and prices for new washing machines. By accessingthis information at, for example, his smart home panel or dedicatedapplication on his smart phone, the user may elect to purchase a newwashing machine. Purchaser module 305 may facilitate this purchasethrough a link to the appliance supplier.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram 400 of a sensor unit 110-a for use inmonitoring resource usage in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The sensor unit 110-a may have variousconfigurations. The sensor unit 110-a may, in some examples, have aninternal power supply (not shown), such as a small battery, tofacilitate mobile operation. In some examples, the sensor unit 110-a maybe an example of one or more aspects of one of the sensor units 110and/or apparatus 205, 205-a described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2,and/or 3, and may be configured to implement at least some of thefeatures and functions described.

The sensor unit 110-a may include a sensor module 210-b, processormodule 220-b, communications module 405, receiver module 215-b, at leastone transceiver module 225-b, at least one antenna (represented byantennas 420), and storage module 230-b. Each of these components may bein communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one ormore buses 425. The sensor module 210-b, processor module 220-b,receiver module 215-b, storage module 230-b, and transceiver module225-b may be examples of the sensor module 210, processor module 220,receiver module 215, storage module 230, and transceiver module 225,respectively, of FIG. 2.

The storage module 230-b may include random access memory (RAM) orread-only memory (ROM). The storage module 230-b may storecomputer-readable, computer-executable software (SW) code 415 containinginstructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processormodule 220-b to perform various functions described herein forcommunicating resource usage data, for example. Alternatively, thesoftware code 415 may not be directly executable by the processor module220-b but may be configured to cause the sensor unit 110-a (e.g., whencompiled and executed) to perform various of the functions describedherein.

The processor module 220-b may include an intelligent hardware device,e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The processor module 220-bmay process information received through the transceiver module 225-b orinformation to be sent to the transceiver module 225-b for transmissionthrough the antenna 420. The processor module 220-b may handle variousaspects of signal processing as well as calculating individual wastescores based on received individual resource usage data and averageresource usage data.

The transceiver module 225-b may include a modem configured to modulatepackets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas 420 fortransmission, and to de-modulate packets received from the antennas 420.The transceiver module 225-b may, in some examples, be implemented asone or more transmitter modules and one or more separate receivermodules. The transceiver module 225-b may support waste score-relatedcommunications. The transceiver module 225-b may be configured tocommunicate bi-directionally, via the antennas 420 and communicationlink 145, with, for example, local computing devices 115, 120 and/or theremote computing device 140 (via network 125 and server 130 of FIG. 1).Communications through the transceiver module 225-b may be coordinated,at least in part, by the communications module 405. While the sensorunit 110-a may include a single antenna 420, there may be examples inwhich the sensor unit 110-a may include multiple antennas 420.

As examples, the transceiver module 225-b may include a Bluetooth®module, an IEEE 802.15.4 module with custom stack, a ZigBee® module, awireless network interface controller (NIC), a cellular telephonemodule, and/or any other suitable module configured to send signals. Thetransceiver module 225-b may be operable to send a signal, for exampleover a network, the Internet, a cellular telephone link, and/or anyother suitable communication means. In some embodiments, the transceivermodule 225-b may include a short-range transmitter, for example, havinga range of less than approximately 1000 feet.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram 500 of a server 130-a for use indetermining waste scores based on monitored resource usage data, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In someexamples, the server 130-a may be an example of aspects of the server130 described with reference to FIG. 1. In other examples, the server130-a may be implemented in either the local computing devices 115, 120or the remote computing device 140 of FIG. 1. The server 130-a may beconfigured to implement or facilitate at least some of the features andfunctions described with reference to the server 130, the localcomputing devices 115, 120 and/or the remote computing device 140 ofFIG. 1.

The server 130-a may include a server processor module 510, a localdatabase module 545, and/or a communications management module 525. Theserver 130-a may also include one or more of a network communicationmodule 505, a remote computing device communication module 530, and/or acentral database communication module 535. Each of these components maybe in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one ormore buses 540.

The server processor module 510 may include an intelligent hardwaredevice, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, anASIC, etc. The server processor module 510 may process informationreceived through the one or more communication modules 505, 530, 535.The server processor module 510 may also process information to be sentto the one or more communication modules 505, 530, 535 for transmission.Communications received at or transmitted from the network communicationmodule 505 may be received from or transmitted to sensor units 110, orlocal computing devices 115, 120, via network 125-a, which may be anexample of the network 125 described in relation to FIG. 1.Communications received at or transmitted from the remote computingdevice communication module 530 may be received from or transmitted toremote computing device 140-a, which may be an example of the remotecomputing device 140 described in relation to FIG. 1. Communicationsreceived at or transmitted from the central database communicationmodule 535 may be received from or transmitted to central database135-a, which may be an example of the central database 135 described inrelation to FIG. 1. Additionally, a local database may be accessed andstored at the server 130-a. The local database module 545 may be used toaccess and manage the local database, which may include data receivedfrom the sensor units 110, the local computing devices 115, 120, or theremote computing devices 140 (of FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram 600 illustrating one embodiment of a display605 of calculated waste scores. In some embodiments, the display 605 mayappear on a local computing device 115, 120, wherein the local computingdevice 115, 120 may be any one or more of a personal computer, a smartphone, or a smart home panel. In other embodiments, the display 605 mayappear on a remote computing device 140.

In the illustrated embodiment, a general waste score 610 of 7 has beencalculated for the user, and may be included on the display 605. Aspreviously discussed, the general waste score 610 may be calculated bycollecting energy usage data, water usage data, and any other relevantresource usage data from an individual user. The collected resourceusage data may then be compared with resource usage data averagescollected and compiled by central database 135 (of FIG. 1), such thatresource usage data may be compared between users having similar homesizes, occupancies, locations, etc. The compared resource usage data maythen be translated into a general waste score 610, indicating an averageof sub-waste scores 615, 620 calculated based on individual resourceusage data. In the illustrated example, the user has received a generalwaste score 610 of 7, out of a possible 10, where a waste score of 1 isa good waste score, and a waste score of 10 is a bad waste score. Inother embodiments, the waste score may be calculated on any otherappropriate scale.

The display 605 may further indicate a plurality of sub-waste scores615, 620 indicating a user's waste scores representing each of aplurality of factors of energy usage and factors of water usage. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the user is awarded a sub-wastescore 615 of 9 for his water consumption 625, and a sub-waste score 620of 6 for his electricity consumption 640. As previously mentioned, theaverage of the two or more sub-waste scores 615, 620 is equal to thegeneral waste score 610 for the user.

Each sub-waste score 615, 620 may further be broken down into factors ofsub-waste score usage, for example sprinkler impact 630-a and home waterimpact 630-b for the water consumption 625 sub-waste score 615, and HVACimpact 645-a and lights/devices/appliances impact 645-b for electricityconsumption 640 sub-waste score 620. Though not shown in FIG. 6, furthersub-waste scores may include natural gas usage and the like. Additionalsub-waste score factors are also envisioned.

In some embodiments, the display 605 may be interactive, such that theuser may select factors 630-a, 630-b, 645-a, 645-b of sub-waste scores615, 620 in order to display further information regarding the user'sresource consumption. For example, a user may select the sprinklerimpact factor 630-a to show information (not shown) detailing the waterusage of the user's sprinklers as compared to other users', andsuggesting adjustments to improve upon the water consumption sub-wastescore 615. In some embodiments, the display 605 may suggest implementingalternate watering schedules, or may suggest purchasing a replacementsprinkler system having improved water usage parameters. In someembodiments, the display 605 may provide a means to purchase thesuggested replacement sprinkler system directly at the display 605 via alink to participating distributers.

In addition, in some embodiments, display 605 may include gamificationaspects of waste score reporting. For example, display 605 may displayto the user how his waste score compares to his friends' via a socialnetwork link, and may provide motivation for the user to improve uponhis waste score in order to “beat” his friends. In some embodiments,users may be rewarded, for example with coupons, credits, virtualcurrency, or status for improving upon their waste scores or forachieving superior waste scores over their friends.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 700 forcorrelating energy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoringsystem. In some configurations, the method 700 may be implemented by thewaste scoring system 100 of FIG. 1. In some configurations, method 700may be implemented in conjunction with the apparatus 205, 205-a orsensor unit 110-a of FIGS. 2-4.

At block 705, the method 700 may comprise receiving energy usage datafrom a plurality of users. As previously discussed, energy usage datamay be compiled at a central database in order to track resource usagedata for a plurality of users. At block 710, the method 700 may furthercomprise receiving water usage data from a plurality of users, which maysimilarly be compiled at the central database. Energy usage data andwater usage data may be collected on a continual basis, or may becollected at discrete intervals. In some embodiments, additionalresource usage data may be collected, for example data pertaining tonatural gas usage, or the like.

At block 715, method 700 may comprise identifying at least one usergroup from the plurality of users based on predetermined parameters. Thepredetermined parameters may comprise home or other property size,occupancy, geographical location, etc. The grouping may be updated on acontinual basis, or may be updated at discrete intervals. Thus, as homeor other property owners remodel their homes, grow or decrease inoccupancy, or the like, user grouping may be updated to coincide withthese changes.

At block 720, method 700 may comprise calculating average energy usageand average water usage for each of the user groups. As with thecollection of the energy usage data and the water usage data, theaverage energy usage and average water usage calculation may be updatedon a continual basis as new data is received, or may be updated atpredetermined intervals.

At block 725, method 700 may comprise comparing energy usage data andwater usage data for an individual user with calculated average energyusage and average water usage for at least one user group. As previouslydiscussed, energy usage data and water usage data may be collected foran individual user via one or more sensor units coupled or integratedwith a plurality of home appliances, systems, or fixtures.Alternatively, energy usage data and water usage data may be inputteddirectly by the individual user at, for example, a smart home panel orin a dedicated application on the user's smart phone. Collected energyusage data and water usage data may then be compared to the calculatedaverage energy usage and average water usage for the one or more usergroups which coincide with the demographics of the individual user. Forexample, the individual user's resource usage data may be compared toaverage resource usage data for a group of users having the same homesize. Alternatively or in addition, the individual user's resource usagedata may be compared to average resource usage data for a group of usershaving the same home occupancy.

At block 730, method 700 may comprise calculating a general waste scorefor the individual based, at least in part, on the comparing of theindividual user's resource usage data to average resource usage data ofthe one or more user groups having coinciding demographics. At block735, method 700 may comprise calculating a plurality of sub-waste scoresfor factors of energy usage and factors of water usage. For example, asub-waste score may be calculated representing the individual user'swater usage, and a plurality of further sub-waste scores may becalculated representing factors contributing to the individual user'swater usage, such as home water use and sprinkler use. The general wastescore may be representative of an average of the calculated sub-wastescores.

As shown in FIG. 7, at block 735, method 700 may comprise repeating thesteps shown in blocks 725, 730, and 735 a plurality of times. This isbecause, as additional individual user energy usage data and water usagedata is received, the general waste score and plurality of sub-wastescores may be updated. In addition, as additional energy usage data andwater usage data is collected for a plurality of users, the averageenergy usage and average water usage for each of the user groups mayalso be updated. Thus, the general waste score and plurality ofsub-waste scores for an individual user may be updated on a continualbasis, or may be updated at discrete intervals.

At block 740, method 700 may comprise communicating the calculatedgeneral waste score and plurality of sub-waste scores to the individualuser. The calculated general waste score and plurality of sub-wastescores may be communicated to the individual user at discrete intervals,or may delivered on a continual basis such that users may receive theirwaste scores in real-time. The calculated waste scores may be deliveredto the user at a local computing device 115, 120 or remote computingdevice 140. In some embodiments, local computing device 115, 120 mayinclude a dedicated application on the user's smart phone, or mayinclude a smart home panel.

In another embodiment not shown, a waste score may be calculated for anindividual user based on garbage receptacle usage data. The method maycomprise receiving garbage receptacle usage data from a plurality ofusers. In some embodiments, the garbage receptacle usage data maycomprise data received from an optical sensor on the lid of the garbagereceptacle, such that the frequency with which the lid is opened (andcorrespondingly, the frequency with which garbage is deposited into thereceptacle) may be monitored. In other embodiments, the garbagereceptacle usage data may comprise data collected from a weighingmechanism placed under or integrated into the garbage receptacle, suchthat the weight of the contents of the garbage receptacle may bemeasured in order to determine users' garbage production. The garbagereceptacle usage data may be communicated from the one or more sensorunits to any of a local computing device or remote computing device, andmay be compiled at a central database.

From the plurality of users, the method may comprise identifying atleast one user group based on predetermined parameters. As previouslydiscussed, the predetermined parameters may comprise any one or more ofhome size, occupancy, and location data. The method may further comprisecalculating average garbage receptacle usage for each of the usergroups, the average garbage receptacle usage being calculated based, atleast in part, on the garbage receptacle usage data received from theplurality of users. Average garbage receptacle usage may be calculatedat discrete intervals, or may be updated continuously based on receivedgarbage receptacle usage data for the plurality of users.

The method may further comprise comparing garbage receptacle usage datafor an individual user with the calculated average garbage receptacleusage for one or more of the user groups. Based, at least in part, onthis comparing, the method may comprise calculating a general wastescore for the individual user. In this way, an individual user maycompare his own waste production with that of other users having commondemographics, such as home size or occupancy. The calculated waste scoremay be communicated to the individual user via any one or more of apersonal computer, a dedicated application on a smart phone, or on adisplay of a smart home panel. The display indicating the individualuser's waste score may provide additional information to the user andsuggestions for improving his waste score, for example by recycling orcomposting, or by using reusable dishware and containers or waterbottles. The individual waste score may be updated at regular intervals,or on a continual basis, as updated individual garbage receptacle usagedata is collected for the individual user, and as the average garbagereceptacle usage is updated based on data collected from the pluralityof users.

In some embodiments, individual users may interact with other users, forexample on a dedicated application or webpage, in order to challengeeach other to improve their waste scores, or to share suggestions forimproving waste scores. This interaction may be integrated into existingsocial networking platforms, or may be performed on dedicated platforms.

Regarding the signals described herein, those skilled in the art willrecognize that a signal can be directly transmitted from a first blockto a second block, or a signal can be modified (e.g., amplified,attenuated, delayed, latched, buffered, inverted, filtered, or otherwisemodified) between the blocks. Although the signals of the abovedescribed embodiment are characterized as transmitted from one block tothe next, other embodiments of the present systems and methods mayinclude modified signals in place of such directly transmitted signalsas long as the informational and/or functional aspect of the signal istransmitted between blocks. To some extent, a signal input at a secondblock can be conceptualized as a second signal derived from a firstsignal output from a first block due to physical limitations of thecircuitry involved (e.g., there will inevitably be some attenuation anddelay). Therefore, as used herein, a second signal derived from a firstsignal includes the first signal or any modifications to the firstsignal, whether due to circuit limitations or due to passage throughother circuit elements which do not change the informational and/orfinal functional aspect of the first signal.

While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments usingspecific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagramcomponent, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/orillustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively,using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or anycombination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure ofcomponents contained within other components should be consideredexemplary in nature since many other architectures can be implemented toachieve the same functionality.

The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/orillustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied asdesired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or describedherein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps donot necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated ordiscussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustratedherein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustratedherein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described and/orillustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems,one or more of these exemplary embodiments may be distributed as aprogram product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular typeof computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution.The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using softwaremodules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may includescript, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on acomputer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In someembodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system toperform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive nor tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the present systems and methods and their practicalapplications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments withvarious modifications as may be suited to the particular usecontemplated.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in thespecification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least oneof” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” asused in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and havethe same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “basedon” as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed asmeaning “based at least upon.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for correlating energy usage data andwater usage data to a waste scoring system, comprising: receiving energyusage data and water usage data from a plurality of users; identifyingat least one user group from the plurality of users based onpredetermined parameters; calculating average energy usage and averagewater usage for each of the user groups, the average energy usage andthe average water usage being calculated based at least in part on theenergy usage data and water usage data received from the plurality ofusers; comparing energy usage data and water usage data received for anindividual user with the calculated average energy usage and thecalculated average water usage for at least one of the user groups;calculating a general waste score for the individual user based at leastin part on the comparing; and calculating a plurality of sub-wastescores for factors of energy usage and factors of water usage, anaverage of the sub-waste scores being equal to the general waste score.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: continuously updating thecalculated general waste score and calculated plurality of sub-wastescores based at least in part on continuously receiving the energy usagedata and the water usage data for the individual user or the pluralityof users, or a combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: communicating the calculated general waste score and thecalculated plurality of sub-waste scores to the individual user, whereinthe calculated general waste score and the calculated plurality ofsub-waste scores are displayed on any one of a smart home panel, apersonal computer, a dedicated application, a webpage, a smart phone, ora combination thereof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the factors ofwater usage comprise sprinkler impact and home water impact, and whereinthe factors of energy usage comprise natural gas consumption and HVAC,lights, devices, and appliances impact.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: providing the individual user with recommendationsfor improving the calculated general waste score and the calculatedplurality of sub-waste scores.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinproviding the user with recommendations for improving the calculatedgeneral waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-waste scorescomprises providing the user with purchasing information for any one ofreplacement appliances, nozzles, faucets, light bulbs, fixtures, andHVAC components, or combinations thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the general waste score and the plurality of sub-waste scoresare calculated on a scale of 1 to 10, wherein 1 indicates energy usageand/or water usage well below the calculated average energy usage andthe calculated average water usage for the at least one user group, and10 indicates the energy usage and/or the water usage well above thecalculated average energy usage data and the calculated average waterusage data for the at least one user group.
 8. The method of claim 7,further comprising: providing recognition to users within the at leastone user group having any one of a superior general waste score and asuperior sub-waste score, wherein the recognition may be any one or moreof a title, coupon, or prize.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving garbage receptacle usage data from the pluralityof users; identifying at least one user group from the plurality ofusers based on the predetermined parameters; calculating average garbagereceptacle usage for each of the user groups, the average garbagereceptacle usage being calculated based at least in part on the garbagereceptacle usage data received from the plurality of users; comparinggarbage receptacle usage data received for an individual user with thecalculated average garbage receptacle usage for at least one of the usergroups; and calculating a general waste score for the individual userbased at least in part on the comparing.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the predetermined parameters for identifying the at least oneuser group from the plurality of users comprises any one of home size,occupancy, and location, or a combination thereof.
 11. An apparatus forcorrelating energy usage data and water usage data to a waste scoringsystem, comprising: a receiver for receiving energy usage data and waterusage data from a plurality of users; and a processor for: identifyingat least one user group from the plurality of users based onpredetermined parameters; calculating average energy usage and averagewater usage for each of the user groups, the average energy usage andthe average water usage being calculated based at least in part on theenergy usage data and water usage data received from the plurality ofusers; comparing energy usage data and water usage data received for anindividual user with the calculated average energy usage and thecalculated average water usage for one of the user groups; calculating ageneral waste score for the individual user based at least in part onthe comparing; and calculating a plurality of sub-waste scores forfactors of energy usage and factors of water usage, the average of thesub-waste scores being equal to the general waste score.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor continuously updates thecalculated general waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-wastescores based, at least in part, on continuously receiving the energyusage data and the water usage data for the individual user or theplurality of users, or a combination thereof.
 13. The apparatus of claim11, further comprising: a transmitter for communicating the calculatedgeneral waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-waste scores tothe individual user, wherein the calculated general waste score and thecalculated plurality of sub-waste scores are displayed on any one of asmart home panel, a personal computer, a dedicated application, awebpage, a smart phone, or a combination thereof.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the factors of water usage comprise sprinkler impactand home water impact, and wherein the factors of energy usage comprisenatural gas consumption and HVAC, lights, devices, and appliancesimpact.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor furtherprovides the individual user with recommendations for improving thecalculated general waste score and the calculated plurality of sub-wastescores.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a purchasingmodule for providing purchasing information for any one of replacementappliances, nozzles, faucets, light bulbs, fixtures, and HVACcomponents, or combinations thereof, and further for processing purchasetransactions for any one of the replacement appliances, nozzles,faucets, light bulbs, fixtures, and HVAC components, or combinationsthereof.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the general waste scoreand the plurality of sub-waste scores are calculated on a scale of 1 to10, wherein 1 indicates energy usage and/or water usage well below thecalculated average energy usage and the calculated average water usagefor the at least one user group, and 10 indicates the energy usageand/or the water usage well above the calculated average energy usageand the calculated average water usage for the at least one user group.18. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a graphical userinterface for facilitating interaction between the individual user andthe plurality of users within the at least one user group.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the graphical user interface comprisesany one of a dedicated application or a webpage.
 20. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the codeexecutable by a processor to: receive energy usage data and water usagedata from a plurality of users; identify at least one user group fromthe plurality of users based on predetermined parameters; calculateaverage energy usage and average water usage for each of the usergroups, the average energy usage and the average water usage beingcalculated based, at least in part, on the energy usage data and waterusage data received from the plurality of users; compare energy usagedata and water usage data received for an individual user with thecalculated average energy usage and the calculated average water usagefor at least one of the user groups; calculate a general waste score forthe individual user based at least in part on the comparing; andcalculate a plurality of sub-waste scores for factors of energy usageand factors of water usage, the average of the sub-waste scores beingequal to the general waste score.